Packless expansion joint



P 1949- H. P. CULP PAQKLESS EXPANSION JOINT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 3, 1948 R%./ n m m M vm mm m m Ha Sept. 1949- H. P. CULP 2,48 2

PACKLESS EXPANSION JOINT Filed Feb. 5, 1948 2 Shee ts-Sheet 2 j 33 l5 J3 INVENTOR Herberfi f. Cuo BY -,MM

ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 6, 1949 Herbert P. Culp, Williamsville, N. Y., assignorto American District Steam Cmpany, North Tonawanda, N. Y.

Application February 3, 1948, Serial No. 6,099

This invention relates to expansion joints for use in fluid conduits subject to expansion and contraction due to variations in temperature.

The present invention relates particularly to packless expansion joints wherein the usual soft packing materials are entirely absent and the flexibility of the joint is secured by the use of flexible diaphragms. Joints of this general nature are known in the art but generally comprise various bolted circular sections which clamp the diaphragms to seal the latter.

According to the present invention, the several diaphragms are interconnected in a novel manner so that they provide a fluid seal independently of the usual housing elements. In the joint of the present invention housing elements are present but serve merely to reinforce and back up the independently sealed diaphragm units.

In the expansion joint of the present invention the various diaphragm units are interconnected entirely by welding, the reinforcing and protecting housing elements being bound over the completely sealed and assembled diaphragm units after the welded diaphragm assemblies are complete. The foregoing construction gives many advantages in fabrication, in assembly, and in service and maintenance. Y

A further advantage of the joint of the present invention resides in the provision of novel means which lie directly against the several diaphragms to prevent undue deformation thereof.

of my invention which is set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description as an example of the principles of my invention. However, it is to be understood that the embodiment shown and described herein is merely to illustrate the principles of the invention and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention which is limited only as defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal view of one form of the expansion joint of the present invention, particularly in cross section;

Fig. 2 is a transverse cross sectional view thereof on the line 22 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a transverse cross sectional view on the line 3--3 of Fig. 1.

In the several figures of the drawings like characters of reference denote like parts and the numeral l0 designates a pipe stud having a flange Claims. (Cl. 285162) 2 c .H .Welded thereto to constitute a connecting member-for connection with a length of pipe (not shown). The numeral [2 designates a second pipe stud,1likewise having a flange l3 welded thereto .to comprise a connecting member for connection with a second length of coaxial pipe (not shown). A pipe section [5 is welded within stud Iii and extends telescopically into the other pipe stud I2, but is freely slidable in the latter. The length of pipe i5 is such that it extends freely within pipe stud I2 even when the joint has expanded its maximum amount. This prevents scale or other impurities which maybe presentin the pipe line from getting into'the diaphragm portion of the expansion joint.

The. pipe section l5 serves as a sliding support for rings 16 which, in the present instance, are three in number. However, only one ring it may be employed, or any other number depending on the desired expansion capacity of the joint. ;It will be noted that the inner edges of the pipe studs l0 and I2 and the opposite marginal edges of the several rings [6 are of reducedthickness and have welded thereto the inner. marginal edges of a series of annular corrugated diaphragms, each pair of which is designated I1 and l8. 7

- Outer rings H) are provided and each pair of diaphragms I1. and 18 has its outer marginal edges welded to one of the rings [9. It: will be noted that each-of'the rings [9 has an outer peripheral groove 20 so that the outer edge of each diaphragm is welded to a relatively thin flange at the outer periphery of ring l9 at each side. This minimizes the problem which presents itself in welding when a relatively thin sheet is to be welded to a part of much greater thickness. 7 v

The structure thus far described completes the expansion joint proper, apart from further backing and reinforcement and protection of the relatively thin diaphragms I7 and I8. If the structure of Fig. 1 thus far described were subject to a compressive force due to expansion of the pipes with which they connect, the inner edges of each pair of diaphragms would move toward each other in amounts divided substantially equally over the several pairs of diaphragms. If the joint were to be expanded from the position shown by reason of contraction of pipe with which the joint connects, the-inner edges of each pair'of diaphragms would move apart, this movement again being distributed substantially equally across the four pairs of dia- 'p'hragms shown in the particular instance illustrated herein.

At its outer face each diaphragm has a backing ring 22 which is of generally circular form and slotted radially inwardly from its outer periph- -ery to such depth as to provide a plurality of segments or plate portions 25 extending radially outwardly from .a common supporting ringi-portion 26. The latter seats agaihst-a sheinuer which results from the thinning of the inner edge of each of the pipe studs and I2 and the op- Jga'ge ag'ainsteach other to'thus determine the edges of the casing elements may interfit in a manner clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, with the result that, when the joint is fully contracted, as determined by the location of the side edges of the grooves 38, 39 and 40, the sidewalls of adjacent pairs of casing elements 3!] and 3| will be practically touching. In fact, they may enminimum length-of the joint. independently of the grooves 38, 39 and. The latter are essential, however, in any event, to determine the posite ends of each of the rings l fi a s appears" clearly in Fig. 1. The backing rings 22 are of sufilciently resilient material' anil so foi meial near the several plate portions -fi -of ring bear flexibly against the outer face of the maxirnnmexpanded length of the joint.

, The illustrated embodiment includes fourpairs -61 'dia'fphraginsq l {and I8, but it is to be underadjacent corrugated diaphragm to reinforce it V I and cause it to yield uniformly under of expansion and contraction. v

The degree of fiexure of plate portions 25 and consequently the ultimate degree iof lexbansion eof the diaphragm assem'blies :Iimi'ted :by an influences outer casing structurewhichwill nowbe'described in detail. "Speaking generally, each pair 'of as "so'ciated diaphragms is= encased by an "individual casing'zstructure comprising a .pair of m'o're or less semi=circular elements whichare'bolted about each idiaphragm assembl'y.

Referringiparticularlytonig. 3, the outer cas- V sing :for each -p'air of diaphraigms l1 and 1:8 com- -z rises a paifor-semi-cirular icasingelemerits 311 and 3| 'having'laterahflanges 32 1 and 33, respec- "tively, ifor receivi'ngibolt and "nut fasteners 5 34. 'The'iiasing elements 39 and 3] are :of inwardlyfacing channel cross :section and have int'erior 1 ledges, as at '35 and 36 in Fig. 1. It' will berioted *thatafianges' crannies-no not abutiand tneiledges '35 and 36 clamp against thetoliter' n'iarginsbf t'he'diaphragms l l and lfl and ressitnem against ring'lll.

Thus 'fiuid pressures developed within -th'e -clia'mber 'forined by'each pairof diaphragms'ia'r'e -resisted by the pressure 1 of le'dg 'es rand 1 3 6 an'd mo stress'is put=on"the'welded jointsl-which con- -nect the outer \m'a'rginsnof :the several :pairs' o'f -diaphragm'sito the-*ringsilsil; At theinner margins of diaphragms l1 and I8., where theyvare welded eta-studs l0 and I2 and rings fil6, pressureijbe tween the diaphragms urges'sthe'm more firmly againstthe elements to which they arewwelded,

again relieving the welded; jointspfr possibly disruptive stress. i V I i A's "viewed in Fig. 1, ;=the.- axially :spaced inner edges of the. left-hand fcasingi-eleme nts; 30 -;and

.3! seat in a peripheralgroove-38 forrned-in pipe :stud lfi a ndagroove 39-formedxin the periphery .of ring I6 The-axially spaced inner-ed e 9f the two intermediate casing elements 30 and- M .seat in "grooves 39 formed in --the several rings l-6,-and the inner edges of the right-hand pair right-hand ring 16 andaperipheral groove iormedin pipe stud l2. The-Widths of-the sevstoo "that th isnumber may be varied at will, depending -ge'n'e'r'ally on the expansion capacity --desired. :Where only one pair of diaphragms H and I8 are employed they will be secured one to the pair of pipe studs l0 and I2 and. there will accordingly be no necessity for the in- 'termediate l rings; I56 rfor -f or 1 the notches 42 'in the cash-1 g elements 30 and 3l. Y 1 mat -isblaimed isi l 1. In expansion joint, a ring member, a 'f 'c ircu-lar diaphiagrns'securedat their-outer m-argis -to'-"opposite-sides of said ring member,

a pair of spaced-tubular rrierribers, said dia- *phragms h'aving central openings arid being-seear-ea at themargins of said--openings to the faci ng ends -"o fsaid tu'bul armembers, "and an cuter casing comprising -a =pair-of semi-circular'-.rnembe'r's adapted to be secured about said ring irnem- --ber"" in clamping relation and having spaced iriwardly extending-- flanges for encasing said di a -phragms, said tubular members having "external peripheral grooves 're'c'eivin'g' the inner edges of said'fla'nges and th'us limiting the degree" of relative axialmovement betweensaid casing and each 6i; said tub'ular members.

*2.-In an expansion jointfiafri'ng:member, 'a fp'airofcircularjdiaphragms'secured atthi'rf'outer margins to'opposite'sides of "said ringn ember, a pairf-of spaced-tubular members, said diaplii'agms having central openings-and being sefcured atthe margins 'offsaid openings to the facing'ends -or said-tubular members, and an outer casing comprising afpair of semi-"circular 'n ierribers adapted to' be' securedaboutsaicl ring m'erriber in -clamping relation.

' *3. ln-'an expansion joint, a ring member, a pairofcircular diaphra'grns' secured at'th'eir outer margins to opposite sides of said ring memberf'a *pairof spacedtubularmembers, said diaphra'gins fh'avingcentral openings and being 'securedlat the margins tof -said openings to the facing ends of said 'tubul'ar memberSJand "an outer casing con] prising a pair of semi cir'culari'inerhbers 'ada'pted .-of;casing elements 30-and-3l-seatiiygroove;393i

eral grooves 38, 39 andfMl -inthe directionlof the axis or the joint define -and establish '{tn maximum expansion land contraction of the: joint enee n f the: nner: edges Of t seve a 7 casing -elements against -one side orfithe other of each ofthe sever-alfgrooves. I y

H For;reasons of compactness of de signltlie 'two intermediate pairs o f casing-elements filliandf'l and the'adjace'nt sia siar the'endca's'ing elements an and 31 are .prov'ided with?notns inithir The notches 12 are staggered "so that tneinii ing comprising a pair of semi-circular members adapted to be secured about said ring member in clamping relation and having spaced inwardly extending flanges for encasing said diaphragms.

5. In an expansion joint, a ring member, a pair of circular diaphragms secured at their outer margins to opposite sides of said ring member, a pair of spaced tubular members, said diaphragms having central openings and being secured at the margins of said openings to the facing ends of said tubular members, an annular plate mounted on each of said tubular members and having a plurality of slots in its periphery to form a series of radiating spring fingers lying against the outer face of each diaphragm to reinforce the same, and an outer casing comprising a pair of semi-circular members adapted to be secured about said ring member in clamping relation and having spaced inwardly extending flanges for encasing said diaphragms.

6. In an expansion joint, a pair of pipe studs, a pipe section secured to one of said pipe studs and telescoping within the other, a ring extending about the pipe section and movable axially thereon, a diaphragm having a central opening secured to the inner end of one of said pipe studs, a second diaphragm having a central opening secured to the adjacent end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring between said diaphragms, the outer margins of said two diaphragms being secured thereto, a second pair of diaphragms similarly connected to the other pipe stud and the other end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring fixed between their outer margins, and a pair of rigid semi-circular outer casing elements adapted to be secured about each of said relatively rigid outer rings in clamping relation.

'7. In an expansion joint, a pair of pipe studs, a pipe selection secured to one of said pipe studs and telescoping within the other, a rin extending about the pipe section and movable axially thereon, a diaphragm having a central opening secured to the inner end of one of said pipe studs, a second diaphragm having a central opening secured to the adjacent end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring between said diaphragms, the outer margins of said two diaphragms being secured thereto, a second pair of diaphragms similarly connected to the other pipe stud and the other end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring fixed between their outer margins, and a pair of rigid semi-circular outer casing elements adapted to be secured about each of said relatively rigid outer rings in clamping relation and having spaced inwardly extending flanges for encasing the pair of diaphragms secured thereto.

8. In an expansion joint, a pair of pipe studs, a pipe section secured to one of said pipe studs and telescoping within the other, a ring extending about the pipe section and movable axially thereon, a diaphragm having a central opening secured to the inner end of one of said pipe studs, a second diaphragm having a central opening secured to the adjacent end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring between said diaphragms, the outer margins of said two diaphragms being secured thereto, a second pair of diaphragms similarly connected to the other pipe stud and the other end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring fixed between their outer margins, and a pair of rigid semi-circular outer casing elements adapted to be secured about each of said relatively rigid outer rings in clamping relation and having spaced inward- 1y extending flaring flanges for encasing the pair of diaphragms secured thereto, the adjacent flaring flanges of the two pairs of casing elements having staggered notches in their inner edges whereby they freely interfit and permit maximum contraction of the joint.

9. In an expansion joint, a, pair of pipe studs, a pipe section secured to one of said pipe studs and telescoping within the other, a ring extending about the pipe section and movable axially thereon, a diaphragm having a central opening secured to the inner end of one of said pipe studs, a second diaphragm having a central opening secured to the adjacent end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring between said diaphragms, the outer margins of said two diaphragms being secured thereto, a second pair of diaphragms similarly connected to the other pipe stud and the other end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring fixed between their outer margins, and a pair of rigid semi-circular outer casing elements adapted to be secured about each of said relatively rigid outer rings in clamping relation, said first-mentioned ring and said pipe studs having external peripheral grooves, said casing elements having spaced inwardly extending flanges for encasing the diaphragms, the inner edges of said flanges extending into said peripheral grooves to limit the degree of relative axial movement between said casing elements and said pipe studs and said first-mentioned ring.

10. In an expansion joint, a pair of pipe studs, a pipe section secured to one of said pipe studs and telescopin within the other, a ring extending about the pipe section and movable axially thereon, a diaphragm having a central opening secured to the inner end of one of said pipe studs, a second diaphragm having a central opening secured to the adjacent end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring between said diaphragms, the outer margins of said two diaphragms being secured thereto, a second pair of diaphragms similarly connected to the other pipe stud and the other end of said ring, and an outer relatively rigid ring fixed between their outer margins, and a pair of rigid semi-circular outer casing elements adapted to be secured about each of said relatively rigid outer rings in clamping relation, said first-mentioned ring and said pipe studs having external peripheral grooves, said casing elements having spaced inwardly extending flaring flanges for encasing the diaphragms, the inner edges of said flanges extending into said peripheral grooves to limit the degree of relative axial movement between said casing elements and said pipe studs and said first-mentioned ring, the adjacent flaring flanges of the two pairs of easing elements having staggered notches in their inner edges whereby they freely interfit and both engage in the groove in said first-mentioned ring member for free and independent axial movement.

HERBERT P. CULP.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,835,298 Greene Dec. 8, 1931 2,207,146 Fentress July 9, 1940 

